Mass. Awards Multimillion Dollar Grants For Solar, Renewable Energy

The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust announced two project grants to advance clean and renewable energy worth more than $20 million.

The first grant totals $3.2 million to 9 recipients involved in clean energy across the state.

The other grant is a $17 million funding block for the Commonwealth Solar program which was launched in the beginning of the year by Governor Deval Patrick.

“These nine grants will help build wind turbines, increase hydropower and install fuel cells, while the next round of funding for Commonwealth Solar will put solar panels on homes and businesses,” said the state’s secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles.

The project grant includes the design and construction of nine new wind, hydroelectric, biogas, and fuel cell projects, which will result in nearly 5 megawatts of clean energy generating capacity.

According to a government press release, the grants will enable supermarkets, communities, businesses, and a ski resort to harness the power of clean, renewable energy to improve the environment and reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels.

The second grant of $17 million in funding for the Commonwealth Solar program, which has already led to 4.6 megawatts of renewable energy capacity through rebates awarded to 421 homeowners, businesses, and institutions across Massachusetts, is the second stage of a $68 million total grant slated towards the project.

“Commonwealth Solar has been a big success, and shows no sign of slowing down,” said Trust Executive Director Carter Wall.

Due to tremendous consumer demand, the Commonwealth Solar program is well ahead of schedule in awarding rebates for solar installations, with $14.9 million committed to date, the state said in its press release.